Another view of Main Street in Bellevue, May 1946. Photo-3661161.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 2 of 21

It’s not clear when exactly this picture was taken, but the version with place markers was created in April 1957 by the Post-Intelligencer staff. This image and thousands of other P-I negatives have been carefully preserved at MOHAI since they were donated in 1976. less

It’s not clear when exactly this picture was taken, but the version with place markers was created in April 1957 by the Post-Intelligencer staff. This image and thousands of other P-I negatives have been ... more

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

It’s not clear when exactly this picture was taken, but the... Photo-3661163.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 3 of 21

This picture from May 1946 shows the future home of Kaiser and Fraser Cars Rototillers and Farm Equipment. The site was also home to Eckern’s Bellevue Automotive Company.

This picture from May 1946 shows the future home of Kaiser and Fraser Cars Rototillers and Farm Equipment. The site was also home to Eckern’s Bellevue Automotive Company.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

This picture from May 1946 shows the future home of Kaiser and... Photo-3661165.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 4 of 21

Main Street in Bellevue, May 1946.

Main Street in Bellevue, May 1946.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

Main Street in Bellevue, May 1946. Photo-3661166.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 5 of 21

This picture from May 1946 shows excavation near the site that became home to Kaiser and Fraser Cars and Eckern’s Bellevue Automotive Company.

This picture from May 1946 shows excavation near the site that became home to Kaiser and Fraser Cars and Eckern’s Bellevue Automotive Company.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

This picture from May 1946 shows excavation near the site that... Photo-3661167.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 6 of 21

This picture from 1946 shos homes under construction in what's now downtown Bellevue.

This picture from 1946 shos homes under construction in what's now downtown Bellevue.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

This picture from 1946 shos homes under construction in what's... Photo-3661168.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 7 of 21

This 1946 picture shows the Bel-Vue Theater and what was then called the Bellevue Shopping Center being built.

This 1946 picture shows the Bel-Vue Theater and what was then called the Bellevue Shopping Center being built.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

This 1946 picture shows the Bel-Vue Theater and what was then... Photo-3661169.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 8 of 21

This picture from May 17, 1947 shows the opening of what was then called the Bellevue Shopping Center.

This picture from May 17, 1947 shows the opening of what was then called the Bellevue Shopping Center.

Photo: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection

This picture from May 17, 1947 shows the opening of what was then... Photo-3661171.51532 - seattlepi.com

Image 9 of 21

Here is another picture of what’s now Bellevue Square looked like a few days before Christmas 1949.

Here is another picture of what’s now Bellevue Square looked like a few days before Christmas 1949.